Daniel Pink on the Right Brain Imperative

Noted author and former chief speechwriter to Al Gore Daniel Pink’s keynote address examined three economic factors changing the workforce and how government professionals can take advantage of their skills to achieve success in this rapidly shifting environment.

Pink used the human brain as a metaphor for his central argument that today’s economy puts a premium on different skills and abilities than yesterday’s economy:

Yesterday = Left side of the brain
Today and Tomorrow = Right side of the brain

Abilities that are characteristic of left side of the brain—logic and analysis, spreadsheet and SAT talents, remain absolutely necessary for today’s workers. But those skills are no longer sufficient. All of us in the workplace now need skills associated with the right side of the brain—artistry, empathy, and big-picture thinking.

Pink cited three trends as support for his thesis (which all happen to start with the letter “A”):

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Posted by Scott Karp at 07:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Admiral Thad Allen on the Tyranny of the Present

U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Thad W. Allen gave a stirring breakfast keynote on what he termed "The Tyranny the of Present" -- all of the decisions that we make in the pressure of the moment that have serious, long-term consequences. Admiral Allen said that government needs to operate with "strategic intent," where short-term decisions are evaluated for the long term consequences. As he pointed out, the absence of a deliberate strategy is still a de facto strategy.

Here are some additional highlights from Admiral Allen's keynote:

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Posted by Scott Karp at 01:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)